Ainsley Maitland-Niles in action (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Arsenal are looking to offload youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the summer to fund in cash for new faces along with a new improved deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Maitland-Niles, 22, is a product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. He has been with the club since 2003 and has come through the youth levels at Arsenal. Though he made his debut back in 2014 itself, his major breakthrough came in the 2017/18 campaign, when he featured in 28 games in all competitions.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the first-team, finding opportunities at regular intervals. But he hasn’t nailed down his spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI yet. He got his opportunities at right-back when Hector Bellerin was forced out of action for several months but failed to make an impression.
Thus, the report suggests that, as a result of him slipping down the pecking order under the manager, the Gunners are ready to sell him along with a few more youngsters, who are attracting the attention of several European clubs.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign so far. They have been knocked out of the Europa League and the EFL Cup, whilst also finding themselves in the 9th position in the league table, making it difficult to qualify for the European games.
One of the major reasons for their downfall is the lack of consistency in their backline. And it is clear that Arteta needs to bring in reinforcements to their defensive unit if they are to pick themselves up and progress in future campaigns.
While the Gunners lack quality at the heart of the defence, they don’t have enough options at right-back. Hector Bellerin is the only option available in that position. The Spaniard has been plagued with injuries for the majority of the last two campaigns.
Portuguese ace Cedric Soares was signed in January on loan and his future at the club still remains undecided. Thus, they should keep hold of Maitland-Niles beyond the summer. The youngster is mainly a midfielder but is also capable of operating in a right-back role, something he has done throughout the campaign.
In 15 league games, he has provided 2 assists and with experience, he can go on to become a key player for the Gunners. He is just 22 and needs to be nurtured in the right way. Also, he has the ability to feature in midfield and as a wing-back on the left side of the field. This versatility could be handy for the manager.
The £35k-a-week English U21 international has not been at his best form this term but he is capable of developing himself. He has already made 92 appearances for the Gunners and has some experience despite his tender age. And it speaks volumes of his potential. Thus, Arsenal should keep hold of Maitland-Niles for the future.
